Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02236008 1998-04-28
WO 97/16145 PCT/US96/16532
1
ABSORBENT ARTICLE
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to absorbent articles such as incontinence pads,
sanitary napkins, pantiliners, and the like, and more particularly to
absorbent articles
having a first absorbent article and a second absorbent article releasably
secured to
one another.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Various absorbent articles such as sanitary napkins and light to medium
incontinent devices exist which absorb body exudates such as menses, urine and
fecal matter. Disposable products of this type generally comprise fluid
permeable
topsheet material, fluid absorbent core, and fluid impermeable backsheet
material.
Various shapes, sizes and thicknesses of such article have been explored in an
attempt to make their use more comfortable and convenient. For example, U.S.
Patent No. 5,389,094, issued to Lavash et al., on February 14, 1995; U.S.
Patent No.
5,383,869, issued to Osborn III on January 24, 1995; U. S. Patent No.
5,382,245,
issued to Thompson et al., on January 17, 1995; and U. S. Patent No.
5,346,486,
issued Osborn III, et al., on September 13, 1994, show numerous shapes, sizes,
thicknesses and other alternative variations of absorbent articles.
There may be times when a user's needs may be variable or uncertain. At
those times, a user may initially employ a first absorbent article, but may
need to
carry additional absorbent articles in reserve. Such is not always convenient,
however. It would be desirable, then, for a user to be able to readily employ
a
second absorbent article after the first absorbent article has become soiled
without
having to retrieve the second absorbent article from reserve.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides an absorbent article, comprising a first upper
absorbent article having a length, a width, a periphery comprising a pair of
end
edges and a pair of longitudinal edges, a body facing surface and a garment
facing
surface. The first absorbent article includes a liquid pervious topsheet, a
liquid
impervious backsheet joined to the topsheet, and an absorbent core positioned
between the topsheet and the backsheet.
The absorbent article further comprises a second lower absorbent article
having a length which is less than the length of the first absorbent article,
a width
CA 02236008 2001-O1-25
2
which is less than the width of the first absorbent article, a periphery
comprising a
pair of end edges and a pair of longitudinal edges, a body facing surface and
a
garment facing surface. The second absorbent article includes a liquid
pervious
topsheet, a liquid impervious backsheet joined to the top sheet, and an
absorbent
core positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet. The garment facing
surface of the first absorbent article is positioned adjacent to the body
facing
surface of the second absorbent article. The longitudinal edges of the first
and
second absorbent articles are positioned substantially parallel to one
another.
At least one periphery securement member releasably attaches to the first
and second absorbent article, together. The securement member is positioned
along and extends outwardly from a portion of the periphery of the second
absorbent article.
In an alternative embodiment, at least one grasping means is attached to
the first absorbent article, and at least one grasping means is attached to
the
second absorbent article. The grasping means for the first and second
absorbent
articles are located at a same end edge and are releasably attached to one-
another
by an attachment layer.
In accordance with one: embodiment of the present invention, an absorbent
article, comprises:
a first upper absorbent article having a length, a width, a periphery
comprising a pair of end edges and a pair of longitudinal edges, a body
facing surface and a garment facing surface, the first absorbent article
comprising a liquid pervious topsheet, a liquid impervious backsheet joined
to the topsheet, and an absorbent core positioned between the topsheet and
the backsheet;
a second lower absorbent article having a length which is less than the
length of the first absorbent article, a width which is less than the width of
the first absorbent article, a periphery comprising a pair of end edges and a
pair of longitudinal edges, a body facing surface and a garment facing
surface, the second absorbent article comprising a liquid pervious topsheet,
a liquid impervious backsheet joined to the topsheet, and an absorbent core
positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet, the garment facing
surface of the first absorbent article being positioned adjacent to the body
facing surface of the second absorbent article, the longitudinal edges of the
first and second absorbent articles being positioned substantially parallel to
one another; and
CA 02236008 2001-O1-25
2a
at least two periphery securement members releasably attaching the first
and second absorbent articles together, the securement members
positioned on the backsheet of the second absorbent article, the
securement members extending outwardly from the longitudinal edges of
the second absorbent article onto the backsheet of the first absorbent
article, the securement members providing a protective seal along the
longitudinal edges against contamination of the second absorbent article
prior to its use.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing out and
distinctly claiming the subjeca matter which is regarded as forming the
present
invention, it is believed that the invention will be better understood from
the
following descriptions which are taken in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings in which like designations are used to designate substantially
identical
elements, and in which:
Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of the absorbent article of the
present invention having portions cut away to reveal underlying structure;
Figure. 2 is a plan view of the absorbent article of Figure 1;
Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the absorbent article taken along
section line 3-3 of Figure 2;
Figure 4 is a fragmentary side view of the first absorbent article showing the
grasping member;
Figure 5 is a perspective view of another embodiment of an absorbent
article of the present invention;
Figure 6A is a fragmentary plan view of the absorbent article of Figure 5
having the release paper removed or viewed from the garment facing surface of
the
absorbent article; and
CA 02236008 1998-04-28
WO 97/16145 PCT/LTS96/16532
3
Figure 6B is a fragmentary side view of the first tab and the second tab
having an attachment layer therebetween.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
As used herein, the term "absorbent article" refers to devices which absorb
and contain body exudates, and, more specifically, refers to devices which are
placed
against or in proximity to the body of the wearer to absorb and contain the
various
exudates discharged from the body. The term "disposable" is used herein to
describe
absorbent articles which are not intended to be laundered or otherwise
restored or
reused as an absorbent article (i.e., they are intended to be discarded after
a single
use, and, preferably, to be recycled, composted or otherwise disposed of in an
environmentally compatible manner). As used herein, the term "sanitary
napkin"~or
"napkin" refers to devices which absorb and contain body exudates, and more
specifically, refers to an absorbent article which is worn by females adjacent
to the
pudendal region, generally external to the urogenital region, and which is
intended to
absorb and contain menstrual fluids and other vaginal discharges from the
wearer's
body (e.g., blood, menses, and urine). As used herein, the term "pudendal"
refers to
the externally visible female genitalia. It should be understood, however,
that the
present invention is also applicable to other feminine hygiene garments or
catamenial pads such as pantiliners or other absorbent articles such as
incontinence
pads, and the like.
Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of an absorbent article 10 of the
present invention. The absorbent article 10 comprises a first, upper absorbent
article
20 and a second, lower absorbent article 100. In the embodiment shown in
Figure 1,
the first absorbent article 20 has length and width dimensions greater than
those of
the second absorbent article 100 so as to allow attachment via the securement
member 200 (shown in Fig. 2), as will be discussed in greater detail
hereinafter.
The first absorbent article 20 is shown in Figure 1 with portions of the
structure being cut-away to more clearly show the construction of the first
absorbent
article 20. The first absorbent article 20 preferably comprises a liquid
pervious
topsheet 24, a liquid impervious backsheet 26 joined with the topsheet 24, and
an
absorbent core 28 positioned between the topsheet 24 and the backsheet 26.
" The first absorbent article 20 has two surfaces, a body facing surface or
"body surface" 25 and a garment facing surface 27 (shown in Fig. 2). The body
" facing surface 25 is intended to be worn adjacent to the body of the wearer
while the
garment facing surface 27 is on the opposite side and is intended to be placed
adjacent to the second absorbent article 100. Figure 1 also shows that the
first
CA 02236008 2001-O1-25
absorbent article 20 has a periphery 40 which comprises longitudinal edges 30
and
end edges 35.
While the topsheet, the backsheet, and the absorbent core may be
assembled in a variety of well known absorbent article configurations
(including so
called "tube" products or side flap products), preferred absorbent article
configurations are described generally in U.S. Patent No. 4,950,264, "Thin,
Flexible
Sanitary Napkin" issued to Osborn on August 21, 1990; U.S. Patent No.
4,321,924,
"Bordered Disposable Absorbent Article" issued to Ahr on March 30, 1982; U.S.
Patent 4,589,876, "Shaped Sanitary Napkin With Flaps" issued to Van Tilburg on
August 18, 1987. Figure 1 shows a preferred embodiment of the first absorbent
article 20 in which the topsheet 24 and the backsheet 26 have length and width
dimensions generally larger than those of the absorbent core 28. The topsheet
24
and the backsheet 26 extend beyond the edges of the absorbent core 28 to form
portions of the periphery 40.
The. absorbent core 28 may be any absorbent means which is capable of
absorbing or retaining liquids (e.g., menses and/or urine). As shown in Figure
1 the .
absorbent core 28 has a body surface, a garment surface, side edges, and end
edges.
The absorbent core 28 may be manufactured in a wide variety of sizes and
shapes
(e.g., rectangular, oval, hourglass, dog bone, asymmetric, etc.) and from a
wide
variety of liquid-absorbent materials commonly used in sanitary napkins and
other
absorbent articles such as comminuted wood pulp which is generally referred to
as
airfelt. Examples of other suitable absorbent materials include creped
cellulose
wadding; meltblown polymers including cofonn; chemically stiffened, modified
or ,
cross-linked cellulosic fibers; synthetic fibers such as crimped polyester
fibers; peat
moss; tissue including tissue wraps and tissue laminates; absorbent foams;
absorbent
sponges; superabsorbent polymers; absorbent gelling materials; or any
equivalent
material or combinations of materials, or mixtures of these. The configuration
and
construction of the absorbent core 28 may also be varied (e.g., the absorbent
core 28
may have varying caliper zones (e.g., profiled so as to be thicker in the
center),
hydrophilic gradients; superabsorbent gradienu, or lower density and lower
average
basis weight acquisition zones; or may comprise one or more layers or
structures).
The total absorbent capacity of the absorbent core 28 should, however, be
compatible with the design loading and the intended use of the first absorbent
article
20. Further, the size and absorbent capacity of the absorbent core 28 may be
varied
to accommodate different uses such as incontinence pads, pantiliners, regular
sanitary napkins, or overnight sanitary napkins.
CA 02236008 2001-O1-25
Most preferably, the absorbent core 28 comprises fluid distribution members
comprising three basic components: chemically stiffened, twisted, and curled
bulking fibers, high surface arE:a fibers, and thermoplastic binder fibers.
These fluid
distribution members use a high surface fiber to provide the fluid
distribution
member with capillary pressure (or suction). These high surface are fibers are
generally small and highly conformable. They provide the substrate with
capillary
pressure well in excess of the capillary pressure found in the bulk-providing
chemically stiffened, twisted, and curled fibers alone.
A preferred fiber for this high surface application is the eucalyptus family
of
wood pulp fibers. Eucalyptus provides the capillary pressure usually
associated
with cellulose fines, but at a large enough length and denier so as to not
fill in the
voids provided by the chemically stiffened, twisted, and curled fibers and
will not
easily pass through the forming screen. Particularly suitable eucalyptus
fibers
include those of the eucalyptus grandis species.
Exemplary absorbent structures for use as the absorbent core 28 of the
present invention are described in U.S. Patent No. 4,950,264 entitled "Thin,
Flexible
Sanitary Napkin" issued to Osborn on August 21, 1990; U.S. Patent No.
4,610,678
entitled "High-Density Absorbent Structures" issued to Weisman et al. on
September 9, 1986; U.S. Patent No. 4,834,735 entitled "High Density Absorbent
Members Having Lower Density and Lower Basis Weight Acquisition Zones",
issued to Alemany et al. on May. 30, 1989; and European Patent Application
No. 0 198 683, The Procter & Gamble Company, published October 22, 1986 in the
name of Duenk, et al.
The backsheet 26 and the topsheet 24 are positioned adjacent the garment
surface and the body surface, respectively, of the absorbent core 28 and are
preferably joined thereto and i:o each other by attachment means (not shown)
such
as those well known in the art. For example, the backsheet 26 and/or the
topsheet
24 may be secured to the absorbent core 28 or to each other by a uniform
continuous layer of adhesive, a patterned layer of adhesive, or an array of
separate
lines, spirals, or spots of adhesive. Adhesives which have been found to be
satisfactory are manufactured by H. B. Fuller Company of St. Paul, Minnesota
under the designation HL-1258 or H-2031. The attachment means will preferably
comprise an open pattern network of filaments of adhesive as is disclosed in
U.S.
Patent No. 4,573,986 entitled "Disposable Waste-Containment Garment", which
issued to Minetola, et al.
CA 02236008 2001-O1-25
6
on March 4, 1986. An exemplary attachment means of an open pattern network of
filaments comprises several lines of adhesive filaments swirled into a spiral
pattern
such as illustrated by the apparatus and method shown in U.S. Patent No.
3,911,173 issued to Sprague, on October 7, 1975; U.S. Patent No. 4,785,996
issued to Zieker, et al. on November 22, 1978; and U.S. Patent No. 4,842,666
issued to Werenicz on June 27, 1989. Alternatively, the attachment means may
comprise heat bonds, pressure bonds, ultrasonic bonds, dynamic mechanical
bonds, or any other suitable attachment means or combinations of these
attachment means as are known in the art.
The backsheet 26 is impervious to liquids (e.g., menses and/or urine) and is
preferably manufactured from a thin plastic film, although other flexible
liquid
impervious materials may also be used. As used herein, the tens "flexible"
refers to
materials which are compliant and will readily conform to the general shape
and
contours of the human body. The backsheet 26 prevents the exudates absorbed
and
contained in the absorbent core 28 from wetting articles which contact the
absorbent
articles described herein such as pants, pajamas and undergarments. The
backsheet
26 may thus comprise a waver or nonwoven material, polymeric films such as
thermoplastic films of polyethylene or polypropylene, or composite materials
such
as a film-coated nonwoven material. Preferably, the backsheet is a
polyethylene
film having a thickness of from about 0.012 mm (0.5 mil) to about 0.051 mm
(2.0
mils). Exemplary polyethylene films are manufactured by Clopay Corporation of
Cincinnati, Ohio, under the designation P 18-0401 and by Tredegar
Incorporated, of
Terre Haute, Indiana under the designation XP-39385. The baclcsheet is
preferably
embossed and/or matte finished to provide a more clothlike appearance.
Further, the
backsheet 26 may permit vapors to escape from the absorbent core 28 (i.e.,
breathable) while still preventing exudates from passing through the backsheet
26.
The topsheet 24 is compliant, soR feeling, and non-irritating to the wearer's
skin. Further, the topsheet 24 is liquid pervious permitting liquids (e.g.,
menses
and/or urine) to rra8ily penetxate through its thickness. A suitable topsheet
24 may
be manufacttn~ed from a wide range of materials such as woven and nonwoven
materials; polymeric materials such as apertured formed thermoplastic films,
apertured plastic films, and hydroformed thermoplastic films; porous foams;
reticulated foams; reticulated. thermoplastic films; and thermoplastic scrims.
Suitable
woven and nonwoven materials can be comprised of natural fibers (e.g., wood or
cotton fibers), synthetic fibers (e.g., polymeric fibers such as polyester,
polypropylene, or polyethylene fibers) or from a combination of natural and
CA 02236008 2001-O1-25
7
synthetic fibers. A preferred topsheet comprises an apertured formed film.
Apertured formed films are preferred for the topsheet because they are
pervious to
body exudates and yet non-absorbent and have a reduced tendency to allow
liquids
to pass back through and rewet the wearer's skin. Thus, the surface of the
formed
film which is in contact with the body remains dry, thereby reducing body
soiling
and creating a more comfortable feel for the wearer. Suitable formed films are
described in U.S. Patent No. 3,929, 135, entitled "Absorptive Structures
Having
Tapered Capillaries", which issued to Thompson on December 30, 1975; U.S.
Patent 4,324,246 entitled "Disposable Absorbent Article Having A Stain
Resistant
Topsheet", which issued to A~ullane, et al. on April 13, 1982; U.S. Patent No.
4,342,314 entitled "Resilient Plastic Web Exhibiting Fiber-Like Properties",
which
issued to Radel et al. on August 3, 1982; U.S. Patent 4,463,045 entitled
"Macroscopically Expanded Three-Dimensional Plastic Web Exhibiting Non-Glossy
Visible Surface and Cloth-Like Tactile Impression", which issued to Ahr et al.
on
July 31, 1984; and U.S. Patent No. 5,006,394 "Multilayer Polymeric Film"
issued to
Baird on April 9, 1991. The preferred topsheet for the present invention is
the
formed film described in one or more of the above patents and marketed on
sanitary napkins by The Procter & Gamble Company of Cincinnati, Ohio as
"DRI-WEAVE".
In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the body surface of the
formed film topsheet is hydrophilic so as to help liquid to transfer through
the
topsheet faster than if the body surface was not hydrophilic so as to diminish
the
likelihood that menstrual fluid ~Nill flow off the topsheet rather than
flowing into and
being absorbed by the absorbent core. In a preferred embodiment, surfactant is
incorporated into the polymeric materials of the formed film topsheet.
The second absorbent article 100 preferably comprises a liquid pervious
topsheet 124, a liquid impervious backsheet 126 secured to the topsheet 124,
and
an absorbent core 128 positioned between the topsheet 124 and the backsheet
126.
The second absorbent article 100 has two surfaces, an absorbent article-
contacting surface 125 which becomes a body facing or "body surface" at the
removal of the first absorbent article 20 and a garment facing surface 127
(shown in
* = Trade-mark
CA 02236008 2001-O1-25
g
Fig. 2). The second absorbent article 100 is shown in Figure 1 with portions
of the
structure being cut-away to more clearly show the construction of the second
absorbent article 100. The absorbent article-contacting surface is intended to
be
worn adjacent to the outer surface 27 of the first absorbent article 20, i.e.,
adjacent
the outer surface of the backsheet 26. Upon removal of the first absorbent
article 20
from a wearer's undergarment, the absorbent article-contacting surface of the
second
absorbent structure 100 will become the body facing surface 125 and will be
wom
adjacent to the wearer's body. Figure 1 also shows that the second absorbent
article
100 has a periphery 140 which comprises longitudinal edges 130 and end edges
135.
While the topsheet, '.the backsheet, and the absorbent core may be
assembled in a variety of well known absorbent article configurations
(including so
called "tube" products or side flap products), preferred absorbent article
configurations are described generally in U.S. Patent No. 4,950,264, "Thin,
Flexible
Sanitary Napkin" issued to Osborn on August 21, 1990; U.S. Patent No.
4,321,924,
"Bordered Disposable Absorbent Article" issued to Ahr on March 30, 1982; U.S.
Patent No. 4,589,876, "Shaped Sanitary Napkin With Flaps" issued to Van
Tilburg
on August 18, 1987. Figure 1 shows a preferred embodiment of the second
absorbent article 100 in which the topsheet 124 and the backsheet 126 have
length
and width dimensions generally larger than those of the absorbent core 128.
The
topsheet 124 and the backsheet 126 extend beyond the edges of the absorbent
core 128 to form portions of the periphery 140.
the edges of the absorbent core 128 to form portions of the periphery 140.
The absorbent con 128 may be any absorbent means which is capable of
absorbing or retaining liquids (e.g., menses and/or urine). As shown in Figure
1 the
absorbent core 28 has a body surface, a garment surface, side edges, and end
edges.
The absorbent core 128 may be manufactured in a wide variety of sizes and
shapes
(e.g., reczaagular, oval, hourglass, dog bone, asymmetric, etc.) and from a
wide
variety of liquid-absorbent materials commonly used in various absorbent
articles
such as comminuted wood pulp which is generally referred to as airfelt.
Examples
of other suitable absorbent materials include creped cellulose wadding;
meltblown
polymers including coform; chemically stiffened, modified or cross-linked
cellulosic
fibers; synthetic fibers such as crimped polyester fibers; peat moss; tissue
including
tissue wraps and tissue laminates; absorbent foams; absorbent sponges;
superabsorbent polymers; absorbent gelling materials; or any equivalent
material or
combinations of materials, or mixtures of these. The configuration and
construction
of the absorbent core 128 may also be varied (e.g., the absorbent core 128 may
have
varying caliper zones (e.g., profiled so as to be thicker in the center),
hydrophilic
gradients, superabsorbent gradients, or lower density and lower average basis
weight
CA 02236008 2001-O1-25
9
acquisition zones; or may comprise one or more layers or structures). The
total
absorbent capacity of the absorbent core 128 should, however, be compatible
with
the design loading and the intended use of the second absorbent article 100.
Further, the size and absorbent capacity of the absorbent core 128 may be
varied
to accommodate different uses such as incontinence pads, pantiliners, regular
sanitary napkins, or overnight sanitary napkins. The absorbent capacity of the
absorbent core 128 may be the same as, greater than, or less than the
absorbent
capacity of the absorbent core 28 of the first absorbent article 20.
Preferably, the
absorbent capacity of the absorbent core 28 is less than the absorbent
capacity of
the absorbent core 28 as the first absorbent article 20 is intended to absorb
more
bodily fluid than the second absorbent article 100.
Most preferably, the absorbent core 128 comprises fluid distribution
members comprising three basic components: chemically stiffened, twisted, and
curled bulking fibers, high surface area fibers, and thermoplastic binder
fibers.
These fluid distribution members use a high surface fiber to provide the fluid
distribution member with capillary pressure (or suction). These high surface
are
fibers are generally small and highly conformable. They provide the substrate
with
capillary pressure well in excess of the capillary pressure found in the bulk-
providing chemically stiffened, twisted, and curled fibers alone.
A preferred fiber for this high surface application is the eucalyptus family
of
wood pulp fibers. Eucalyptus provides the capillary pressure usually
associated
with cellulose fines, but at a large enough length and denier so as to not
fill in the
voids provided by the chemically stiffened, twisted, and curled fibers and
will not
easily pass through the forming screen. Particularly suitable eucalyptus
fibers
include those of the eucalyptus grandis species.
Exemplary absorbent structures for use as the absorbent core 128 of the
present invention are described in U.S. Patent No. 4,950,264 entitled "Thin,
Flexible
Sanitary Napkin" issued to Osborn on August 21, 1990; U.S. Patent No.
4,610,678
entitled "High-Density Absorbent Structures" issued to Weisman et al. on
September 9, 1986; U.S. Patent No. 4,834,735 entitled "High Density Absorbent
Members Having Lower Density and Lower Basis Weight Acquisition Zones",
issued to Alemany et al. on May 30, 1989; and European Patent Application
No. 0 198 683, The Procter & Gamble Company, published October 22, 1986 in
the name of Duenk, et al.
CA 02236008 2001-O1-25
The backsheet 126 and the topsheet 124 are positioned adjacent the
garment surface and the body surface, respectively, of the absorbent core 128
and
are preferably joined thereto and to each other by attachment means (not
shown)
such as those well known in 'the art. For example, the backsheet 126 and/or
the
topsheet 124 may be secured to the absorbent core 128 or to each other by a
uniform continuous layer of adhesive, a patterned layer of adhesive, or an
array of
separate lines, spirals, or spoia of adhesive. Adhesives which have been found
to
be satisfactory are manufactured by H. B. Fuller Company of St. Paul,
Minnesota
under the designation HL-1258 or H-2031. The attachment means will preferably
comprise an open pattern network of filaments of adhesive as is disclosed in
U.S.
Patent No. 4,573,986 entitled "Disposable Waste-Containment Garment", which
issued to Minetola, et al. on March 4, 1986. An exemplary attachment means of
an
open pattern network of filaments comprises several lines of adhesive
filaments
swirled into a spiral pattern such as illustrated by the apparatus and method
shown
in U.S. Patent No. 3,911,173 issued to Sprague on October 7, 1975; U.S. Patent
No. 4,785,996 issued to Zieker, et al. on November 22, 1978; and U.S. Patent
No.
4,842,666 issued to Werenic;z on June 27, 1989. Alternatively, the attachment
means may comprise heat bonds, pressure bonds, ultrasonic bonds, dynamic
mechanical bonds, or any other suitable attachment means or combinations of
these attachment means as are known in the art.
The backsheet 126 is impervious to liquids (e.g., menses and/or urine) and
is preferably manufactured from a thin plastic film, although other flexible
liquid
impervious materials may also be used. The backsheet 126 prevents the exudates
absorbed and contained in the absorbent core 128 from wetting articles which
contact the second absorbent article 100 such as pants, pajamas and
undergarments. The backsh~eet 126 may thus comprise a woven or nonwoven
material, polymeric films such as thermoplastic films of polyethylene or
polypropylene, or composite materials such as a film-coated nonwoven material.
Preferably, the backsheet 12n is a polyethylene film having a thickness of
from
about 0.012 mm (0.5 mil) to about 0.051 mm (2.0 mils). Exemplary polyethylene
films are manufactured by Clopay Corporation of Cincinnati, Ohio, under the
designation P18-0401 and by Tredegar Incorporated, of Terre Haute, Ind., under
the designation XP-39385. 'The backsheet 126 is preferably embossed and/or
matte finished to provide a more clothlike appearance. Further, the backsheet
126
may permit vapors to escape from the absorbent core 128 (i.e., breathable)
while
still preventing exudates from passing through the backsheet 126.
CA 02236008 2001-O1-25
11
The topsheet 124 is compliant, soft feeling, and non-irritating to the
wearer's
skin. Further, the topsheet 1,24 is liquid pervious permitting liquids (e.g.,
menses
and/or urine) to readily penetrate through its thickness. A suitable topsheet
124
may be manufactured from a vvide range of materials such as woven and nonwoven
materials; polymeric materialls such as apertured formed thermoplastic films,
apertured plastic films, and hydroformed thermoplastic films; porous foams;
reticulated foams; reticulated thermoplastic films; and thermoplastic scrims.
Suitable woven and nonwoven materials can be comprised of natural fibers
(e.g.,
wood or cotton fibers), synthetic fibers (e.g., polymeric fibers such as
polyester,
polypropylene, or polyethylene fibers) or from a combination of natural and
synthetic fibers. A preferred topsheet 124 comprises an apertured formed film.
Apertured formed films are preferred for the topsheet 124 because they are
pervious to body exudates and yet non-absorbent and have a reduced tendency to
allow liquids to pass back through and rewet the wearer's skin. Thus, the
surface of
the formed film which is in contact with the body remains dry, thereby
reducing
body soiling and creating a more comfortable feel for the wearer. The
preferred
topsheet for the present invention is the formed film described in one or more
of the
above patents and marketed on sanitary napkins by The Procter & Gamble
Company of Cincinnati, Ohio as "DRI-WEAVE".
In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the body surface of the
formed film topsheet is hydrophilic so as to help liquid to transfer through
the
topsheet faster than if the body surface was not hydrophilic so as to diminish
the
likelihood that menstrual fluid will flow off the topsheet rather than flowing
into and
being absorbed by the absorbent core. In a preferred embodiment, surfactant is
incorporated into the polymeric materials of the formed film topsheet .
In a preferred embodirnent of the present invention, an acquisition layers)
may be positioned between the topsheets and the absorbent cores of the first
absorbent article 20 and the second absorbent article 100, respectively. An
acquisition layer may serve several functions including improving wicking of
CA 02236008 2001-O1-25
12
exudates over and into the absorbent core. There are several reasons why the
improved wicking of exudates is important, including providing a more even
distribution of the exudates throughout an absorbent core and allowing an
absorbent article described herein to be made relatively thin. (The wicking
referred
to herein may encompass the transportation of liquids in one, two or all
directions
(i.e., in the x-y plane and/or in the z-direction). The acquisition layer may
be
comprised of several different materials including nonwoven or woven webs of
synthetic fibers including polyester, polypropylene, or polyethylene; natural
fibers
including cotton or cellulose; blends of such fibers; or any equivalent
materials or
combinations of materials. Examples of absorbent articles disclosed herein
having
an acquisition layer and a topsheet are more fully described in U.S. Patent
No.
4,950,264 issued to Osborn.
Figures 2 and 3 show absorbent articles 20 and 100 releasably secured to
one-another such that after the first absorbent article 20 has been soiled, it
may be
separated from the second absorbent article 100, leaving the second absorbent
article 100 in place in the user's panties. Securement members 200, are
preferably
positioned along and extend outwardly from the longitudinal edges 130 of the
second absorbent article 100. The securement members 200 may comprise any
suitable attachment means known in the art to be compatible with backsheet,
topsheet and absorbent core materials. However, securement members 200 must
extend outwardly from a portion of the periphery 140 of the second absorbent
article 100 to join the first absorbent article 20 and the second absorbent
article 100
together. As shown in Figures. 2 and 3, the securement members 200 are joined
to
the backsheet 126 of the second absorbent article 100 extending outwardly
beyond
the longitudinal edges 130 where they are joined to the backsheet 26 of the
first
absorbent article 20. This configuration will provide sealing about the
longitudinal
edges 130 of the second absorbent article to keep it protected from soiling
before
its specified time of use.
In another embodiment, the securement members 200 may extend
outwardly from the entire periphery 140, i.e., the longitudinal side edges 130
and
end edges 135, of the second absorbent article 100. This configuration will
provide
sealing around and along the entire periphery 140 of the second absorbent
article
100 to
CA 02236008 2001-O1-25
13
keep it protected from soiling before its specified time of use. In another
embodiment, securement members 200 are positioned along and extend outwardly
from the end edges 135 of the second absorbent article 100.
The securement means 200 may extend up to, but preferably not beyond the
longitudinal edges 30 and/or end edges 35 of the first absorbent article 20.
Suitable
periphery securement means 200 may include any of the known bonding or
attachment means for absorbent articles known in the art. The most preferred
adhesive for use in the periphery securement means for this invention is a
water-
soluble adhesive such as Airflex~ 401 produced by Air Products & Chemicals,
Incorporated, located in Allentown, Pennsylvania.
In use, the second absorbent article 100 can be held in place by any support
means or attachment means 90 (shown in Fig. 3) well-known for such purposes.
Preferably, the absorbent article 10, comprising the first absorbent article
20 and the
second absorbent article 100 is placed in the user's undergarment or panty and
secured thereto by a fastener located on the outer suifaee 127 of the
backsheet 126 of
the second absorbent article 100 such as an adhesive. The adhesive attachment
.
means 90 or panty fastening adhesive provides a means for securing the second
absorbent article 100 in the crotch portion of the panty. Thus, a portion or
all of the
outer surface 127 of the backsheet 126 comprises an adhesive attachment means
90.
Any adhesive or glue used in the art for such purposes can be used for the
adhesive
attachment means 90 herein, with pressure-sensitive adhesives being preferred.
Suitable adhesives are Century A-305-IV manufac ~tured by the Century
Adhesives
Corporation of Columbus, C)hio; and Instant Lock 34-2823 manufactured by the
National Starch and Chemical Company of Bridgewater, NJ. Suitable adhesive
fasteners are also described in U.S. Patent 4,917,697. Before the second
absorbent
article 100 is placed in use, the pressure-sensitive adhesive attachment means
90 is
typically covered-with a removable release liner 156 in order to keep the
adhesive
from drying out or adhering to a surface other than the crotch portion of the
panty
prior to use. Suitable release liners are also described in the above-
referenced U.S.
Patent 4,917,697. Any commercially available release liners commonly used for
such purposes can be utilized herein. Non-limiting examples of suitable
release
liners are BL30MG-A Silox'E1/0 and BL30MG-A Silox 4P/O both of which are
manufactured by the Akrosil Corporation of Menasha, WI. In a preferred
embodiment, the second absorbent article 100 of the present invention is used
by
removing the release liners 156, and thereafter placing the second absorbent
article
100 in a panty so that the adhesive attachment means 90 contacts the panty. As
one
Trade-mark
CA 02236008 1998-04-28
WO 97/16145 PCT/US96/16532
14
function, the adhesive attachment means 90 maintains the second absorbent
article
100 in its position within the panty during use.
In Figures 1, 2 and 4 there is shown a grasping member 70 which preferably
comprises a tab 76. The tab 76 has a first surface 82 facing the wearer and a
second
surface 85 facing the garment. The tab 76 is joined to the backsheet 26 to
create a
fixed portion 77 (i.e., that portion of the tab 76 joined to the first
absorbent article
during manufacture). The tab 76 has another element which is the extended
portion
78 which is that portion of the tab 76 which extends outwardly beyond the
periphery
of the first absorbent article and that is grasped by the user to separate the
first
absorbent article 20 from the second absorbent article. The distal end 120 of
the tab
76 preferably has rounded corners to eliminate the possibility of harsh corner
edges
contacting the wearer's skin. .
At least one tab 76 is joined to the first absorbent article 20, such that the
extended portion 78 extends outwardly from an end edge of the absorbent
article.
Alternatively, the tab 76 may be joined to the absorbent article such that the
extended portion 78 of the tab 76 extends outwardly from one of the
longitudinal
edges.
The fixed portion 77 is preferably joined to the outer surface of the
backsheet
of the first absorbent article 20. Alternatively, the fixed portion 77 may be
joined to
the first absorbent article by positioning the fixed portion 77 between the
topsheet
and the backsheet. While the fixed portion 77 may be joined directly to the
body
contacting surface of the topsheet, this is not preferred as the tab 76 may
interfere
with the fluid handling properties of the .topsheet and may also be subjected
to
soiling. Also, but not preferably, the tab 76 may extend from the absorbent
core or
at least may have its fixed portion 77 located between the topsheet and
backsheet,
and thus extend outwardly therefrom; this configuration is also possible for
any
subsequent absorbent articles beyond the first and second absorbent articles
as
disclosed herein.
The tab 76 may also comprise a disposal means 73 joined to the first surface
82 of the extended portion 78 of tab 76. The disposal means 73 allows the
first
absorbent article 20 to be secured in a configuration that provides convenient
disposal of the first absorbent article 20 and reduces leakage of liquid
and/or solid
exudates. Thus, the disposal means 73 may be any structure that allows the
first
absorbent article 20 to be folded or rolled up into a co~guration for disposal
and
secured in that configuration. For example, the disposal means 73 may comprise
a
member of different elements positioned on the first surface 82 of the tab 76
such as
an adhesive, or any other compatible element known to those of skill in the
art.
CA 02236008 2001-O1-25
Compatible adhesives for the disposal means 73 can be, but are not limited to,
Century Adhesives Corporation of Columbus, Ohio; and Instant Lock 34-2823
manufactured by the National Starch and Chemical Company of Bridgewater, N.J.
Suitable adhesive fasteners .are also described in U.S. Patent No. 4,917,697.
Release member 80 protects the adhesive disposal means 73 from drying out
prior
to use. A suitable release member is described in the above-referenced U.S.
Patent No. 4,917,697. Any commercially available release liners commonly used
for such purposes can be utilised herein. Non-limiting examples of suitable
release
liners are BL30MG-A Silox E:1/0 and BL30MG-A Silox 4P/O both of which are
manufactured by the Akrosil Corporation of Menasha, WI.
After the first absorbent article 20 has been soiled, the user removes the
absorbent article 20 from his/her undergarment via the grasping member 70. At
removal, the first absorbent article 20 is peeled or pulled away from the
second
absorbent article 100 preferably in a front (of user) to back (of user)
motion. Upon
removal of the first absorbent article 20, the adhesive disposal means 73 is
exposed. The adhesive disposal means 73 most preferably attaches to the
backsheet 26 of the first absorbent article 20 thus producing one that is
folded at or
near its lateral axis, or it is tri-falded along two axis parallel to the
lateral axis, or is
rolled in a circular configuration. The folded and sealed absorbent article 20
has its
backsheet 26 as the exterior s>urface, and its topsheet 24 as the interior and
soiled
surface. The absorbent article 20 is now ready for disposal and remains
sealed,
and thereby at least partially rE:duces liquid, solid and vapor leakage.
A grasping member 70 will most preferably comprise polyethylene, but can
alternatively comprise paper andlor cloth. Furthermore, the grasping member 70
can be an extension of the backsheet 26, topsheet 24 or core 28. In
alternative
embodiments the grasping mE:mber 70 can be positioned on the longitudinal
edges
30 and 130 of the first and second absorbent articles 20 and 100,
respectively. For
an absorbent article which includes flaps, grasping members 70 can be placed
on
the flaps 54 and/or along the longitudinal edges 30. Disposal means 73 can be
included on each of the grasping members 70.
In an alternative embodiment, the disposal means 73 is a mechanical loop
or hook type as disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,058,247 entitled "Mechanical
Fastening Prong" issued to Thomas October 22, 1991; U.S. Patent No. 4,869,724
entitled "Mechanical Fastening Systems With Adhesive Tape Disposal Means For
Disposal of Absorbent Articles" issued to Scripps on September 26, 1989; and
U.S.
Patent No. 4,846,815 entitled "Disposable Diaper Having an Improved Fastening
Device" issued to Scripps on July 11, 1989. For a
CA 02236008 1998-04-28
WO 97/16145 PCT/IJS96/16532
16
hook disposal means 73, loops will on the backsheet and optimally placed to
receive
the hooks. For a loop disposal means 73, hooks will be on the backsheet and
optimally placed to receive the loops.
Figure 5 discloses another embodiment of an absorbent article 10 comprising
first absorbent article 20 and second absorbent article 100. Absorbent
articles 20
and 100 each have grasping members 72 and 74 which preferably are tabs 75 and
76,
respectively. Tab 76 on second absorbent article 100 also secures the first
and
second absorbent articles together. The tab 76 on the second absorbent article
100
extends outwardly from the end edges of the second absorbent article 100 to
join the
first and second absorbent articles 20 and 100 together.
Figure 6B illustrates a preferred tab arrangement wherein tab 76 is releasably
adhered to tab 75. Tab 75 comprises an attachment layer 80 (preferably an
adhesive)
positioned on its surface facing tab 76 and which becomes releasably attached
to
attachment surface 85. Preferably, attachment layer 80 is a panty fastening
adhesive
of the type disclosed herein. In a preferred embodiment, attachment surface 85
comprises a release surface at least partially comprising material similar to
or the
same as that of a release liner. Suitable release liners are described in U.
S. Patent
No. 4,917,697 and 4,556,146. Any commercially available release liners
commonly
used for such purposes can be utilized herein. Non-limiting examples of
suitable
release liners are BL30MG-A Silox E1/0 and BL30MG-A Silox 4P/O both of which
are manufactured by the Akrosil Corporation of Menasha, WI.
Referring to Figure 5 and 6A, second absorbent article 100 comprises a panty
fastening adhesive or attachment means 90 which can be any of the known
adhesives
for attaching an absorbent article to a garment. Suitable adhesives are
Century A-
305-IV manufactured by the Century Adhesives Corporation of Columbus, Ohio;
and Instant Lock 34-2823 manufactured by the National Starch and Chemical
Company of Bridgewater, NJ. Suitable adhesive fasteners are also described in
U.S.
Patent 4,917,697. The attachment means 90 is most preferably affixed to the
garment surface of the backsheet of the second absorbent article 100. For
placement
of the absorbent article 10 into an undergarment, a user can detach the
absorbent
article 10 from the release paper 110 by grasping the attached tabs 75 and 76,
and
then gently pull the absorbent article 10 up and away from the release paper
110.
Note, it may be necessary for a user to hold the release paper 110 fixed while
disengaging the absorbent article 10 from the release paper 110. In an
alternative
embodiment, the second tab 75 can have an adhesive (not shown) the same as or
having similar properties to the adhesive 80 located on the garment surface
127 of
CA 02236008 2001-O1-25
17
the second absorbent article 100. This adhesive 81 would additionally serve
to releasably attach absorbent article 10 to a user's undergarment.
Figure 6A discloses a fragmented plan view of the embodiment of the
present invention wherein the first absorbent article 20 and the second
absorbent
article 100 are releasably attached by first and second tabs 75 and 76,
respectively.
Tab 75 extends outwardly from the first absorbent article 10 at an end edge
35.
Preferably, tab 75 has its attached end 78 attached to the backsheet 26 of the
first
absorbent article 20. From this point of attachment, the tab 75 extends
outwardly
from the end edge 35. As mentioned, the most preferably arrangement for tab
releasable attachment is by that embodiment shown in Figure 5B; i.e., the
first tab
75 comprises an adhesive 80 and the second tab 76 comprises an attachment
surface 85 which receives the adhesive 80. Alternative tab embodiments include
mechanical fastener types such as hook and loop fasteners. For example, the
first
tab 75 can at least partially comprise hooks, while the second tab 76 can at
least
partially comprise corresponding loops. Note, it would be obvious to
alternative
and/or combine hooks, loops and adhesives amongst the tabs. Any mechanical
fasteners known in the art are suitable for the invention disclosed herein,
and
examples include those of mechanical closure systems disclosed in U.S. Patent
No.
4,869,724 issued to Scripps on September 9, 1989; U.S. Patent No. 4,848,815
issued to Scripps on July 11, '1989 and the two-point securement system
described
in U.S. Patent No. 5,242,4;36 issued to Weil, Buell, Clear, and Falcone on
September 7, 1993.
In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, at least one of the
absorbent articles described herein, can have two flaps, each of which are
adjacent
to and extend laterally from the longitudinal edges of the absorbent core. The
flaps
are configured to drape over the edges of the wearer's panties in the crotch
region
so that the flaps are disposed between the edges of the wearer's panties and
the
thighs. The flaps serve at least two purposes. First, the flaps help serve to
prevent
soiling of the wearer's body and panties by menstrual fluid, preferably by
forming a
double wall barrier along the ~sdges of the panty. Second, the flaps are
preferably
provided with attachment means, and preferably adhesive, on their garment
surface
so that the flaps can fold back under the panty and attach to the garment
facing
side of the panty or one flap to another. In this way, the flaps serve to keep
the
second absorbent article pn~perly positioned in the panty. The flaps can be
constructed of various materials including materials similar to the topsheet,
backsheet, tissue, or combination of these materials. Further, the flaps may
be a
separate element attached to the main body of the first absorbent article
and/or
second absorbent article or can comprise extensions
CA 02236008 2001-O1-25
18
of their respective topsheets and backsheets (i.e., a unitary construction). A
number of sanitary napkins having flaps suitable or adaptable for use with the
sanitary napkins of the present invention are disclosed in U.S. Patent No.
4,687,478
entitled "Shaped Sanitary Napkin With Flaps", which issued to Van Tilburg on
August 18, 1987; U.S. Patent: No. 4,589,876 entitled "Sanitary Napkin", which
issued to Van Tilburg on May. 20, 1986; and U.S. Patent No. 4,608,047,
entitled
"Sanitary Napkin Attachment Means", which issued to Mattingly on August 26,
1986.
The number of absorbent articles which can be used and releasably
secured together ranges from 2 to 15, most preferably, the range is from 2 to
3. All
subsequent absorbent articles will be releasably secured together as described
above with respect to the releasable securement of the first and second
absorbent
articles 20 and 100.
While particular embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated
and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in the art that various
other
changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and
scope
of the invention. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims all
such
changes and modifications that are within the scope of this invention.
